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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Four Thousand</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/four_thousand.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/four.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Four Thousand</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/four_squads_of_four_soldiers.htm" title="Four Squads of Four Soldiers">◄</a> Four Thousand <a href="/topical/f/four_unmarried_daughters.htm" title="Four Unmarried Daughters">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "Four Thousand" in the Bible is most notably associated with the miraculous feeding of the multitude by Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. This event is distinct from the feeding of the five thousand, another miracle performed by Jesus. The feeding of the four thousand is a significant demonstration of Jesus' compassion and divine provision.<br><br><b>Biblical Account</b><br><br>The account of the feeding of the four thousand is found in <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">Matthew 15:32-39</a> and <a href="/mark/8.htm">Mark 8:1-10</a>. In these passages, Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowd that had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat. He expresses concern that if He sends them away hungry, they might faint on the way home. The disciples question how they could possibly feed such a large crowd in a desolate place.<br><br>In response, Jesus asks the disciples how many loaves they have, and they reply, "Seven, and a few small fish" (<a href="/matthew/15-34.htm">Matthew 15:34</a>). Jesus instructs the crowd to sit down on the ground. He then takes the seven loaves and the fish, gives thanks, breaks them, and gives them to the disciples to distribute to the people. The crowd, numbering about four thousand men, besides women and children, eats and is satisfied. Afterward, the disciples collect seven basketfuls of leftover pieces.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b><br><br>The feeding of the four thousand, like the feeding of the five thousand, underscores Jesus' authority over creation and His ability to provide abundantly for human needs. It also highlights His compassion for the physical and spiritual well-being of the people. The miracle serves as a sign of the coming Kingdom of God, where there will be no lack or want.<br><br>The number four thousand, while not as symbolically significant as other numbers in the Bible, still represents a large multitude and emphasizes the magnitude of the miracle. The fact that there were leftovers after everyone was satisfied points to the superabundance of God's provision.<br><br><b>Comparison with the Feeding of the Five Thousand</b><br><br>While similar, the feeding of the four thousand and the feeding of the five thousand have distinct differences. The feeding of the five thousand is recorded in all four Gospels, whereas the feeding of the four thousand is only in Matthew and Mark. The number of loaves and fish, the number of people fed, and the number of baskets of leftovers differ between the two events. These differences highlight the unique aspects of each miracle and the varied contexts in which Jesus ministered.<br><br><b>Historical and Cultural Context</b><br><br>The feeding of the four thousand likely took place in the region of the Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area. This context suggests that Jesus' ministry extended beyond the Jewish population, foreshadowing the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant. The miracle demonstrates that Jesus' compassion and provision are available to all people, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Interpretation</b><br><br>In biblical numerology, the number four often symbolizes universality or completeness, as seen in the four corners of the earth or the four winds. While the number four thousand does not carry a specific symbolic meaning, the event's context and outcome reflect the universal reach of Jesus' ministry and the completeness of His provision.<br><br>The seven baskets of leftovers may symbolize spiritual perfection or completion, as the number seven often represents in Scripture. This detail reinforces the idea that Jesus' provision is not only sufficient but also perfect and complete.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>The feeding of the four thousand is a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority, compassion, and the inclusive nature of His ministry. It serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and the fulfillment of spiritual and physical needs through Christ.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">Four Thousand</span><p><span class="encheading">FOUR THOUSAND</span><p>See <a href="../f/four.htm">FOUR</a>.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/5070.htm"><span class="l">5070. tetrakischilioi -- <b>four thousand</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>four thousand</b>. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: tetrakischilioi Phonetic<br> Spelling: (tet-rak-is-khil'-ee-oy) Short Definition: <b>four thousand</b> Definition <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5070.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6240.htm"><span class="l">6240. asar -- ten</span></a><br><b>...</b> in combination), ie -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth -- (eigh-, fif-, <b>four</b>-, nine-,<br> seven-, six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore <b>thousand</b>, + twelve(-th <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6240.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/chadwick/the_gospel_of_st_mark/chapter_8_1-10_the_four_thousand.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Four Thousand</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 8:1-10 THE <b>FOUR THOUSAND</b>. <b>...</b><br> And they were about <b>four thousand</b>: and He sent them away. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 1-10 the four thousand.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_xxxvi_the_feeding_of.htm"><span class="l">The Feeding of the <b>Four Thousand</b> - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE FEEDING OF THE <b>FOUR THOUSAND</b> - TO DALMANUTHA - THE SIGN FROM HEAVEN' - JOURNEY<br> TO C??SAREA PHILIPPI - WHAT IS THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvi the feeding of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/barton/his_life/the_four_thousand_fed.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Four Thousand</b> Fed.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> HIS WITHDRAWAL WITH THE TWELVE. THE MINISTRY BEYOND GALILEE THE <b>FOUR THOUSAND</b> FED. <b>...</b><br> And they were about <b>four thousand</b> men, besides women and children. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the four thousand fed.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/lxix_the_deaf_stammerer_healed.htm"><span class="l">The Deaf Stammerer Healed and <b>Four Thousand</b> Fed.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Part Sixth. From the Third Passover Until Our Lord's Arrival at Bethany. (Time:<br> One Year Less One Week.) LXIX. The Deaf Stammerer Healed and <b>Four Thousand</b> Fed. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxix the deaf stammerer healed.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mede/a_key_to_the_apocalypse/synchronism_iv_of_the_hundred.htm"><span class="l">Of the Hundred and Forty-<b>four Thousand</b> Sealed, who were virgins <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> PART I. SYNCHRONISM IV. Of the Hundred and Forty-<b>four Thousand</b> Sealed, who<br> were Virgins, with the Babylonian Harlot and the Beast. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism iv of the hundred.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_matthew/19_concerning_the_seven_loaves.htm"><span class="l">Concerning the Seven Loaves. The Narrative of the Feeding of the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Book XI. 19. Concerning the Seven Loaves. The Narrative of the Feeding of<br> the <b>Four Thousand</b> Compared with that of the Five <b>Thousand</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/19 concerning the seven loaves.htm</font><p><a href="/library/montgomery/sacred_poems_and_hymns/hymn_ccxxxvii_the_song_of.htm"><span class="l">The Song of the Hundred and Forty and <b>Four Thousand</b>.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCXXXVII. The Song of the Hundred and forty and <b>four thousand</b>. <b>...</b><br> James Montgomery. The Song of the Hundred and forty and <b>four thousand</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxxxvii the song of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/1_how_christians_are_the.htm"><span class="l">How Christians are the Spiritual Israel.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And I heard the number of them that were sealed, a hundred and forty-<b>four thousand</b><br> who were sealed, out of every tribe of the children of Israel; of the tribe <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/1 how christians are the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/origen/origens_commentary_on_the_gospel_of_john/2_the_144000_sealed_in.htm"><span class="l">The 144,000 Sealed in the Apocalypse are Converts to Christ from <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> These, then, who are sealed on their foreheads [4458] from every tribe of the children<br> of Israel, are a hundred and forty-<b>four thousand</b> in number; and these <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/2 the 144000 sealed in.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/sermons_on_selected_lessons_of_the_new_testament/sermon_xlv_on_the_words.htm"><span class="l">On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> 2. The "seven loaves" [3136] signify the seven-fold operation of the Holy Spirit;<br> the "<b>four thousand</b> men," the Church established on the <b>four</b> Gospels; "the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlv on the words.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/four-Gospels.html">Why did God give us four Gospels? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/four-horsemen-apocalypse.html">Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Servant-Songs.html">What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/four.htm">Four: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/four.htm">Four</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/four_hundred.htm">Four Hundred</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/four_thousand.htm">Four Thousand</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/twentieth.htm">Twentieth (34 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/romamti-ezer.htm">Romamti-ezer (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/romamtiezer.htm">Romamtiezer (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/four.htm">Four (3139 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/num/12.htm">12 (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/four-drachma.htm">Four-drachma (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tigris.htm">Tigris (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/romam'ti-e'zer.htm">Romam'ti-e'zer (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/delai'ah.htm">Delai'ah (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barachiah.htm">Barachiah (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sebat.htm">Sebat (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/onward.htm">Onward (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hiddekel.htm">Hiddekel (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bank.htm">Bank (28 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/upward.htm">Upward (74 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/f/four_squads_of_four_soldiers.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Four Squads of Four Soldiers"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Four Squads of Four Soldiers" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/f/four_unmarried_daughters.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Four Unmarried Daughters"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Four Unmarried Daughters" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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